Self-care medical devices are used for measuring and monitoring various
vital parameters of a patient. These devices play an important role in
monitoring blood sugar level, heart rate, hypertension and other
conditions. These devices measure, monitor, display and document
physiological information obtained at regular intervals via sensors or
other input devices attached to a patient. Increasing emphasis on
preventive medicine is expected to widen the market for self-care
medical devices.

The global self-care medical devices market is estimated to be USD 10.5
billion in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 16.8 billion by 2019,
growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2013 to 2019. Rising incidence of chronic
diseases as well as lifestyle disorders (obesity, diabetes, hypertension
and others) coupled with increasing healthcare awareness are driving the
demand for self-care medical devices market globally.

Self-care medical devices are further segmented as blood pressure
monitors, blood glucose monitors, body temperature monitors, heart rate
monitors, sleep apnea monitors and others. These devices are used for
primary care by patients, witnessing a paradigm shift in treatment from
hospital to home based healthcare. Manufacturers are coming up with new
and innovative digital blood pressure monitoring devices that are
portable, easy to use and provide accurate readings instantly. Blood
glucose monitors accounted for the largest market share in the year 2012
as compared to other self-care medical devices. Sedentary lifestyle,
poor dietary habits coupled with growing geriatric population has
resulted in a steady rise in the number of individuals diagnosed with
diabetes. In addition, technological advancements and increasing
awareness about managing diabetes are the factors accentuating the
growth of the market for blood glucose monitors during the forecast
period.

North America contributed the largest share, i.e. over 40%, in 2012 of
the global self-care medical devices market. The rising incidence of
cardiovascular and respiratory diseases is the major driving factor for
the growth of self-care medical devices market in the North American
region. Preference for home based healthcare monitoring has led to
reduction of frequent visits to clinics and hospitals, consequently
increasing the uptake of self-care medical devices. The Asia-Pacific
region is expected to witness the fastest growth due to expanding
population coupled with sedentary lifestyle and rising stress levels. A
high prevalence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in middle income
nations, as compared to that in high-income nations, has left a large
number of people undiagnosed and untreated. However, growing awareness
among these people has triggered the demand for self-care medical
devices and is expected to further grow during the forecast period.

The global self-care medical devices market is segmented into
the following categories: